Sample i539 Form Extension, Documents (B1/B2, H4 COS)

You can file form i539 online for faster processing for your H4 extension if you are filing alone and without the help of an attorney at this time.

Example:

• If you have an H4 kid who can normally be added to your H4 extension i539 form, then you cannot file the H4 extension online.
• You can file a B2 extension online if you are filing alone.

Documents for H4 Extension

1. Form i539 and Form i539A
2. H4 Visa Stamps in Passport (If Any) – Color Copy
3. H1B Primary i797A approval Copy – required only if filing H4 extension separately from H1B extension.
4. Most Recent I94
   1. Check the last approved H4 i797A for the attached paper i94.
   2. Or if you last entered the USA by any port of entry, download i94 from the CBP website.
   3. Or if you got your i94 extended after passport renewal at any Land Border like Laredo, TX, or San Diego, use your paper i94 copy.
5. Most Recent Entry to US Immigration Stamp – Check the US immigration stamp in your Passport.
6. Current and OLD Passport Biometric Page
   • Passport page with Photo and address. The passport should be valid for at least the next 3 months.
   • All OLD Passports Biometric pages are required.

If you are filing an H4 visa stamp outside the USA, then you need to fill forms DS-160 and NOT i539.

The documents required for H4 Visa stamping in the US embassy are given here.

Common Questions

Sample i-539 form

We are taking up an example of an H4 visa extension for filling this sample i539 form.

The values are more or less the same for other types like B1/B2, F1, or other types of extensions.

This same form can be used to fill your H4 extension online on the USCIS website.

Form i539 Part 1:

• Please fill in the H4 US residence address Questions 4 and 5 to make sure the H4 Biometric Appointment letter is sent to H4’s address.
• We have seen that many attorneys fill their own office address here and then USCIS schedules an appointment closer to the Attorney’s Office instead of H4’s physical address. Many people have reported that they got the biometric metric appointment in New Jersey when the H1B is working in Dallas, TX simply because the Attorney who filed the form i539 used his NJ address.
• A number in Q 2: Alien number is written on the H4 EAD card if you have ever got one. If not, then you can leave this field blank.
• SSN number in Q 9: If you have never applied for H4 EAD or SSN before, then chances are high that you do not have SSN. You can leave it blank.
• Passport number in Q 12: The passport number attached to your current active i94. If you entered the US using your old passport and now have a renewed passport, you should write an OLD passport number here.
• Passport number in Q 14a and b: Your current active and valid passport. If you entered the US using your old passport and now have a renewed passport, you should write the current passport number here.

Form i539 Part 2:

• i539 form Q5a = Select this box if you are filing an H4 application for yourself and more dependents like your kids.
• i539 form Q5b = Enter the total number of H4 dependents.

Example:

If you are a wife of H1B, and you have 2 kids, then you should select Q5a and write ‘2’ in 5b.

If you do not have any kids, then do not select 5a and leave 5b empty. You should select Q4 in this case.

Form i539, Page 3, Part 4:

On page 3 of form i539, Q 14 answer

• Select Yes, if you already have H4EAD and have been working actively using your work authorization.
• If you have H4 EAD and not working, select ‘No‘.
• If you do not have H4-EAD at all, then select ‘No‘.

Form i539 page 5 can be left blank if you are filing it yourself. If your attorney is filing it, then fill in the Attorney information on page 5.

Page 6 is also for the attorney only. You can leave it blank if you are not using one.

Form i539 Page 7, Part 8, Question 1 to 3

You have to fill in H4’s employment information if H4 has been working and have selected ‘Yes‘ on page 3, Q 14.

H4 Employment information:

1. Employer Name
2. Job title/Designation
3. Employer full address
4. Weekly Income (Before Tax) in USD
5. Dates of Employment – Write start date to finish date.

i-539A Sample

Form i539A – Page 4 can be left blank if there is no additional information to share.

Fee Calculator

Use this calculator to find the total fee for filing the i539 form with biometric.

The app gives an estimate of USCIS as well as the fee charged by attorneys. The attorney fee is not mandatory and varies greatly with the immigration law firm.

USCIS Mailing Address

Use these USCIS addresses to send both H-4 and H4 EAD applications if filing separately from the H1B.

Send your H4 and H4EAD application to USCIS Dallas Lockbox Facility if the receipt number of your H-1B principal spouse’s most recent Form I-797 Notice of Approval for Form I-129 begins with EAC, LIN, or SRC.

USCIS Dallas Lockbox Facility

If sending by U.S. Postal Service (USPS):

For FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:

File with the USCIS Phoenix Lockbox Facility if the receipt number of your H-1B principal spouse’s most recent Form I-797 Notice of Approval for Form I-129 begins with WAC.

USCIS Phoenix Lockbox Facility

If sending by U.S. Postal Service (USPS):

If sending by FedEx, UPS, or DHL :

Source: USCIS